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September 27, 2013

The six heroes from this month’s BRAZENS are battling it out to be your Mr. September.

Who gets your vote?

Each day this week the six heroes are stopping by some awesome blogs to answer both sexy and sweet personal questions, so you can really get a taste of what they’re like ;) Each day you get to cast your vote, and at the end of the week one sexy hero will be crowned the winner of the #MrSeptember Throwdown!

Remember, each vote also counts as an entry for one of SIX prizes so be sure to follow along and vote every day to increase your chances of winning! Visit Entangled in Romance for a recap on the awesome prizes!

Now, to meet the men competing in the #MrSeptember Throwdown!

Whew! Hot, hot, hot - these men have definitely turned up the heat!

Ian: Wicked Games by Samanthe Beck (part of the anthology)

Grayson: Seducing Mr. Right by Katee Robert (part of the anthology)

Craig: Tempted by His Best Friend by Cari Quinn (part of the anthology)

Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths.

But Aria doesn't remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can't conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place.

Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself.

My Review

With a more than stunning cover, I had high hopes for Mystic City. What I thought to be one thing, turned out to another in the best way imaginable. A simple forbidden romance was all I was expecting, but I got so much more from Mystic City. This book had that unwavering love I was looking for but it also had revolution, magic, and power struggles that made this book gripping, exciting, and enthralling.

I loved main character and heroine, Aria Rose. In the circumstance of losing some of her memory, she never gives up even in the slightest doubt. Groomed, trained and fit to be a political darling and perfect daughter to Johnny Rose, Aria feels as if she always has to prove her devotion and loyalty to her family. In Mystic City we see how truly conflicted Aria feels. Courageous and willful girl that she is, Aria doesn’t judge and doesn’t quite agree with her family and with this difficulty leads her to open her eyes and see everything in a whole different light. The way in which she discovers new things about the mystics and the city is something of curiosity and adoration that made me believe and see something more in Aria. She was brave and determined to find out the truth throughout the book. Despite her conflicts, Aria stands up for what she believed was right. She was stronger, wiser, and much more compassionate and kind-hearted than her family. A rebel at heart, Aria rises from under the restraints of her family, pushes to be her own person and is determined to make new of the city she holds dearly.

The romance between Aria and Hunter that quickly develops in a short period of time is very reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, only in a more modern and advance world. While their love may have been fast, it did not feel forced nor rushed. Their love had much more than at first glance and I really got to see and feel the truth and realness of their feelings through their interactions and their wish for the safety and well being of the other. Hunter, albeit powerful and dangerous as a mystic was kind and had a fun side. He brought in some of the humor I needed when the book got really serious. He was everything Aria described him to be: otherworldly, sexy, strong and sweet. Hunter was an amazing character for many reasons, but mostly because he helped open Aria’s eyes about the mystics and he loved her unconditionally.

Aeries, the Depths, the Magnificent Block with their TouchMe screens, e-coulmns, lightrails, PODs, and the Grid are all a part of this rich and limitless world created by Theo Lawrence. In this futuristic setting of New York, the west side and east side are separated and ruled by the feuding and sworn enemies of the Rose and the Foster family respectively. The enemy of their enemy are the mystics, those with special powers that enhance speed and strength that are known to be a danger and menace to those living in Aeries and the Depths. In Mystic City, there is a combination of political families joining together to gain political power and control and of an uprising and a revolution brimming among the mystic rebels wanting the equality they deserved for many years. That coupled with the romance between Aria and Hunter, made Mystic City one hell of a fast-paced and invigorating novel. The whole book was one complete big rush of exhilaration that consumed me. Lawrence made me want to scream and shout and pull my hair out in frustration and in anticipation. I loved the writing and descriptions used to envision this part of New York. Lawrence really does a great job of bringing the futuristic, dilapidated, dark and mysteriousness state of this world to life. I had no trouble imagining and seeing it all in my mind.

Overall, Mystic City was a novel full of rebellion, love, desperation and urgency I felt, read, and saw from the start. Dystopian fans will love this world and romance fans will be rooting for Aria and Hunter all the way.

Cami Pressman is a yoga instructor with a lifelong secret love of junk food. Not even an irresistible man can replace the mouthwatering wickedness of her favorite foods.

Until, that is, Paul Hammond signs up for her class. He’s a gourmet chef looking to score some fitness tips, and a date with Cami. Suddenly Cami’s lust for junk food isn’t the only thing making her tingle.

When this sinful chef and hot yoga teacher eat, play, and lust together, they just might bring their obsession to a new level.

My Review

Three words: Sweet, devourable, and adorable.

Eat Play Lust is just the perfect book to give you a nice, quick, and easy paced read. It’s short enough to fly through but developed enough to really make your heart soar with warmth and give you all the tingly feels.

Cami was a super cute character. She was passionate about yoga and being a good instructor to her students. She had a secret love for junk food, specifically tater tots, which I completely loved about her. Cami still had insecurities about her body despite how much she takes care of it now, which I think a lot of girls can relate to when it comes to their own images of their body. Cami definitely wasn’t perfect and a very easily connectable character who had a quirky personality that wasn’t hard to fall in love with.

Paul was so endearingly awkward! He was a complete sweetheart who could say the weirdest things at inappropriate times, but I just adored him. I love that he had the biggest crush on Cami and wanted one on one time with her. I loved that he indulged in Cami’s love for tater tots. And oh my god, the way he talked about food, created food, and made it into a form of sexy foreplay. The man was hot and he completely owned the way he could turn junk food into something special. He didn’t tease or make fun of Cami and embraced her flaws and relished in her desires.

I thought Eat, Play, Lust was a delectable read. I enjoyed it very much, though I wish it was longer. It definitely put a smile on my face and even brought out a few laughs.

September 16, 2013

Hey guys! I know I've been basically MIA. With school back and my passion for reading dwindling this past few weeks, I haven't been able to get into the groove of blogging. I'll still be on a blogging break until I can get books read and reviews written! Sorry for just falling off the face of the Earth. I'll be back before you know it ;) Love you guys <3

Of course, as the human daughter of Egyptian gods, that pretty much comes with the territory. She’s also stuck with parents who barely notice her, and a house full of relatives who can’t be bothered to remember her name. After all, they are going to be around forever—and she’s a mere mortal.

Isadora’s sick of living a life where she’s only worthy of a passing glance, and when she has the chance to move to San Diego with her brother, she jumps on it. But Isadora’s quickly finding that a “normal” life comes with plenty of its own epic complications—and that there’s no such thing as a clean break when it comes to family. Much as she wants to leave her past behind, she can’t shake the ominous dreams that foretell destruction for her entire family. When it turns out there may be truth in her nightmares, Isadora has to decide whether she can abandon her divine heritage after all.

My Review

I love Kiersten White. I love her writing and her zealous, almost eccentric characters. I love the sweet young love she creates in her books. However, I did not love her latest novel, The Chaos of Stars.

Let’s start with the sort of good stuff-

Egyptian Mythology

One star of my 2.5 star rating goes to this aspect of the book. It was incorporated into the book in the beginning of each chapter with a little of White’s clever flare and those little mythology paragraphs were interesting to read. I liked reading them and it became the only thing that forced me to finish this book. I also liked the idea of having Isis and Osiris and the rest of the Egyptian gods living around in modern times and having kids.

Characters: Ry, Tyler and Scott.

The other star goes to these three. Ry, for being a persistent love interest and for trying to knock some sense into Isadora. I liked Tyler the best in this book because she was awkward, silly and a little weird. Her and Scott were the cutest couple. They weren’t prominent in the book, but they sure put a smile on my face when they were on page and made this book slightly better. If they could have their own book or replace Isadora, by all means.

San Diego setting.

Well, this one doesn’t really count because I’m biased and it’s my hometown, but I liked that I finally recognized the setting and places subtly mentioned in the book.

Now for the bad stuff-

Main character: Isadora.

You know things ain’t looking too good when you loathe the MC of a novel. Isadora was immature and selfish. Most of the book was her complaining that her family didn’t love her, didn’t care for her and used her. She was angry her mother was pregnant, she was angry her brother’s wife was pregnant, she was angry that Ry was making her feel things, she was so angry all over the place she was making me angry! Her angry whining made me want to punch her. Her snark should have been entertaining but I was irritated instead. She does redeem herself (barely) but it wasn’t until near the end where I didn’t even care anymore.

The Romance.

Ry was ok, but his character was predictable. I knew who he was straight away. His romance with Isadora? Not really a romance. He liked her (why in the world I’ll never freaking know) and she tries not to like him because she fears relationships and love and things ending. He makes a move, she runs away. He declares love, she runs away. They were better off friends, if you ask me.

Plot.

Nothing really happens in this book besides Isadora moving to San Diego, her warning dreams, hanging out with Ry and Tyler, and Isadora working at the museum. So basically I was pretty bored, forcing myself to just read it and finish it and be done. The conflict or climax of the book that was supposed to boost this book’s interest level was so predictable. I already knew who the bad guys were and what they were planning to do the second they showed up on page in the beginning of the book. I just knew it and when the whole shebang happened, everything was basically whoop bloop there it goes, the end.

The rest of the book was pretty much forgettable. There’s no explanation why Osiris and Isis have human kids every couple of years and every thing else was not really explored. Sometimes I forgot this book had Egyptian mythology in it until I started a new chapter. It just lacked execution and delivery.

In other words, The Chaos of Stars was just not for me. Maybe others will enjoy Isadora and her story.

Not long ago, Chloe Lilywhite seemingly had it all: a prized spot on the Magicals’ Council as lead Creator, a loving fiancé and Connection, and a wealth of good friends. But the poised young woman she projected was nothing more than a façade. Her parents all but disowned her. Power plays and accusations of murder within the Council rocked her confidence. And most difficult of all, her secret, a secondary Connection to Jonah’s twin brother, Kellan, became painfully impossible to resist. Desperate to gain control over her rapidly unraveling existence, Chloe did the unthinkable: she ran away.

Now living and working in Alaska under an alias, Chloe is slowly discovering who she is and, more importantly, who she wants to be. But the more she tries to leave the Magical world behind, the harder it becomes to stay hidden. The Elders are back with a vengeance, and the stakes have never been higher. Chloe finally has to make a choice: embrace her pre-ordained Fate or pave her own way in the worlds. One thing’s for sure, though—she’s finally up for the challenge.

Check out the redesigns for Book 1 & 2!

ZOMG, they match <3

A Matter of Fate by Heather Lyons (Fate #1)

Chloe Lilywhite struggles with all the normal problems of a typical seventeen-year-old high school student. Only, Chloe isn't a normal teenage girl. She's a Magical, part of a secret race of beings who influence the universe. More importantly, she's a Creator, which means Fate mapped out her destiny long ago, from her college choice, to where she will live, to even her job. While her friends and relatives relish their future roles, Chloe resents the lack of say in her life, especially when she learns she's to be guarded against a vengeful group of beings bent on wiping out her kind. Their number one target? Chloe, of course.

That's nothing compared to the boy trouble she's gotten herself into. Because a guy she's literally dreamed of and loved her entire life, one she never knew truly existed, shows up in her math class, and with him comes a twin brother she finds herself inexplicably drawn to.

Chloe's once unyielding path now has a lot more choices than she ever thought possible.

No longer in high school, Chloe Lilywhite is now living and working in Annar, the Magicals' city-state plane of existence. Since moving, she's joined the Council, gone on missions with the Guard, moved into her own apartment, and enrolled at the University of Annar. Plus, she's happily engaged to be married to Jonah Whitecomb, the literal man from her dreams, not to mention her Connection. While she still struggles with aspects of her craft, Chloe feels like she's finally coming into her own, especially after a difficult year that had her questioning nearly everything in her life.

After a brutal attack by the Elders, her life is turned upside down once more. Accusations fly throughout the Council and Guard, forcing Chloe to confront her worst fears about what's she's capable of as a Creator. And then there's the matter of Kellan Whitecomb, Jonah's twin brother and Chloe's ex, who resurfaces after disappearing months before. Although Chloe chose Jonah, and despite their best efforts, the two find it hard to stay away from one another.

But no matter what Fate throws at her, Chloe is determined to take charge of her life, even as it begins to spiral out of control.

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

September 3, 2013

Olivia Townsend’s wealthy cousin Marissa had everything a girl could ask for—a great job, a privileged life, and all the friends she wanted. Or, at least, all the friends money could buy. But one case of mistaken identity has turned her privileged world upside down.
An abduction gone wrong lands her right in the lap of the sexiest, most dangerous man she’s ever met. To Marissa, he’s an enigma, but one to whom she’s irresistibly, inexplicably drawn.

With him comes a new world of freedom and passion, of dark shadows and dangerous secrets, a world where nothing is what it seems—except for the blind passion that Marissa can’t escape—or maybe even survive.

M. Leighton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Wild Ones and The Bad Boys romance trilogies. She is a native of Ohio, relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she lets her mind wander to romantic settings with sexy Southern guys much like the one she married and the ones you'll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren't roaming in that direction, she'll be riding horses, swimming in ponds and experiencing life on a ranch, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.

September 2, 2013

You guys know I absolutely love Entangle's Brazen line so I'm super duper thrilled to share this surprise with you guys! *dances*

_______________________________

Who doesn't love surprises? The people behind Brazen Books sure do - and they just couldn't wait a whole month before putting out another book for their readers. Surprise!

Their newest book combines steamy island romance and high personal stakes. What a combination!

WICKED HEAT by Nicola Marsh

Competitors by day, lovers by night…

Allegra Wilks has had the worst month of her personal and professional life. To save her company, she must go on her would-be honeymoon and land the luxury eco-island resort’s lucrative advertising account. But when a lingerie mishap leads her into the arms of a wickedly distracting Australian, Allegra’s tempted to skip the trip and explore the most sensual kiss she’s ever experienced. Too bad their chance encounter at the airport is just that.

Having recently lost his company to his former best friend’s shady business tactics, Jett Halcott is headed to a South Pacific resort to secure an advertising account that will resurrect his reputation and career. Realizing the tantalizing Allegra Wilks is on his flight, Jett envisions a week filled with business and pleasure. But Jett doesn’t know Allegra’s fighting for the same account, or that there’s more at stake than his heart.

“You should do that more often,” he
said, reaching out to trace her bottom lip with his fingertip. “You’re
beautiful, but when you smile? Wow.”

Uncomfortable with his overt
compliments, Allegra sat there and let a guy she’d just met touch her lips with
a slow, sensual caress. His fingertip traced her bottom lip in a butterfly-soft
sweep that left her breathless.

Their eyes locked as he lowered his
hand, and what she saw made her wish she could ditch Palm Bay and travel to
Australia.

Blatant lust. Strong. Sexy. Seductive.
His eyes deepened to an incredible green that matched a favorite jade pendant
she wore often. He wanted her, and in this crazy moment, the feeling was
entirely mutual.

He raised his beer to his lips and took
a long swig, his heat-filled stare never leaving hers.

Damn, she had no idea what to do in
this situation. Make a joke to diffuse the tension? Acknowledge it? Flirt?

She hated feeling out of control, had
instigated steps her entire life to avoid it. Yet in a loaded thirty seconds,
Jett had made her damp with just one look and made her flounder.

“Is the blatant charm an Aussie thing
or is it just you?”

Thankfully, he blinked, and broke the
scorching stare that made her want to grab a napkin off the bar and fan
herself. “It’s me.” He leaned in close. “Time you fessed up.”

Yikes. Was her reaction to him that
easy to read?

“To what?”

His lips almost brushed her ear.
“You’re battling an incredible urge to drag me into the nearest janitor’s
closet and ravish me.”

She laughed at his outrageousness.
“Sorry. I don’t do sex in cleaning closets. Too many hazardous chemicals.”

“Yeah, those pheromones can be killer.”

She loved his quick wit and for the
second time in as many minutes, wished she’d met him at a different place,
different time.

“Pity.”
He reverted to a smoldering stare that had her wishing she’d ordered a vodka
shot chaser. “Sex in confined spaces can be fun.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” Heat
crept into her cheeks and she signaled the waiter for a glass of water. To douse
herself with.

“Not the answer I was hoping for,” he
said, shifting his barstool closer so their thighs brushed. “Would’ve been
better if you’d said, ‘Sounds good, Jett, let’s go try.’”

She cleared her throat and gratefully
accepted the water from the waiter, drinking it all and wishing she could run
the cool beaded exterior across her forehead. “How did we get onto this crazy
topic?”

“Started with you wanting to ravish
me.” He clinked his beer bottle to her empty glass. “Seriously. There’s no need
to hold back. I can take whatever you want to dish out.”

Review Requests

I am temporarily closing up my review requests for the time being.

About Me

Jessirae is the name.

Book Lover/Blogger/Reviewer magnifico with a growing love for Young Adult, New Adult and Adult books that may occasionally be devoured in between. A public health graduate who is obssessed with reading books and blasting her iPod to maximum for intense music listening and who constantly keeps track of her favorite TV shows. A certified Arizona Green Tea addict with a heart's desire to claim Jared Lynburn as her own personal book boyfriend. Lover of all things chocolate, candy and sugary sweets. I never back down from a fight, but would rather stay in to read a good book than party hard any day.I say, if it looks good, read it!